Tensions Between Morocco and Algeria Threaten Maghreb Unity, Expert Warns

"The Maghreb is the big loser in this story: it is gradually becoming an empty shell," said Pierre Vermeren in an interview with France 24. He notes that Algeria is pushing Morocco more and more to give up on the Maghreb and find solutions further afield: in Africa, Russia, China and the Middle East. "Today, Rabat seems to have completely abandoned the idea of a regional policy to turn to the international and it is really a shame for the balance of the region," analyzes the professor of contemporary history of the Maghreb.

Regarding international reactions, he points out that the international community remains mostly silent for the moment. "Israel has reacted to lend its support to Morocco, but the direct partners of the two countries have not spoken out. For France, it is very complicated. The Maghreb is the area where it is the most influential outside of Europe, and there it sees the region fracturing before its eyes," comments Pierre Vermeren. According to him, France is at an impasse. "It is forced to constantly compromise with the two powers, because it cannot afford to fall out with one or the other," he says.

The specialist also explains that a military confrontation would not benefit anyone. "The two countries have not directly taken up arms against each other since 1963. If the situation continues to deteriorate, this is something that could happen, but it would be tragic. And above all, no one wants to come to that. It would not serve the interests of Algiers, nor those of Rabat, nor those of their economic partners. That said, rumors are circulating about border incidents, always possible, whether near Figuig or in the Sahara," he adds.